CHINA EXPRESS ALACHUA
16181 NW US HWY 441 #160, Alachua FL 32615 · 386.418-2222
Last inspected Feb 27, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
NOV 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed a dead fly on the portioned wontons in container in reach in cooler, see stop sale.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Feb 27, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over tofu in walk-in-cooler
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Food dispensed (flour, rice )with a bowl without a handle.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee thermos on prep table
Food stored on floor. Bags of flour, rice, cornstarch, frying oil on floor in kitchen
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Stored food not covered. Bags of rice, flour corn starch open and not protected
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk-in-cooler have rust and are pitted
Nov 25, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs in flip-top make table cooler stored above Ready-To-Eat sauces
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on flip-top make table with mold like substance and food particles on cookline.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Soiled cardboard line shelves in walk-in-cooler
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. employee drink on reach in cooler and personal food on prep table. Manager removed both items
Food stored on floor. Bag of corn starch on floor in kitchen. Box of Chicken on floor in walk-in-cooler
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezers have ice build up
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Reach in freezer on right side entering kitchen has multiple locations showing the lid insulation.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with grease
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk-in-cooler are rusted
Aug 8, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 23 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority1 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed nonfood-grade t-shirt bag used in direct contact with food ( Noodles in bowls in walk-in-cooler and reach in cooler covered with r-shirt bag and in contact with noodles.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license dated 6/1/2025
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Two trays of Raw prepped Chicken stored over vegetables and Krab in reach in freezer
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Flip-top make table cooler has raw shelled eggs stored over sauces and open container of garlic in oil.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cabbage at prep table at 78F, cabbage was cut more than 4 hours earlier.
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Cabbage at prep table at 78F, cabbage was cut more than 4 hours earlier.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Honey sauce and rice sauce prepared 4 days earlier not marked in walk-in-cooler.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Cardboard used on shelves on cook line and on shelves in walk-in-cooler
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee thermos stored on prep table
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food not identified in walk-in-cooler and stored above food served to the public
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook did not have hair restraint. Cook put on cap
Food stored on floor. Bag of rice, cans of coke, container of soy sauce and cooking oil stored on floor
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer has ice build up
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in bag of flour touching flour
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Reach in freezer behind counter has insulation exposed on lid
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Shelves on cook line lined with wood panels that at not sealed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have accumulation of grease
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Exterior screen door in back of kitchen not self closing
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Container of white pepper with hollow handle used to stored prepared whole peppers and soy sauce
Single-service articles improperly stored. Box of Single service take out containers stored on floor behind front counter
Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Standing water on floor at entrance to walk-in-cooler
Stored food not covered. Bag of flour open and not protected, next to reach in freezer by back door
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls along cook line soiled with grease
Jan 7, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs stored over cooked wontons in reach-in cooler across from cook line. Manager removed wontons from cooler during inspection. Raw chicken stored over cooked chicken in walk-in cooler. Manager placed raw chicken on bottom shelf.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken stored in reach-in cooler next to cook line fryer. Manager stated chicken prepared on 1/5. Manager placed proper date mark on chicken.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Cardboard lining shelves in walk-in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Handle for reach-in freezer across from cook line fryer.
Food stored on floor. Bags of rice and flour stored on floor at end of cook line. Manager placed flour and rice on stand.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Cooked chicken placed in old chicken box.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers stored on kitchen shelf. Manager turned containers over.
Stored food not covered. Chicken stored in walk-in cooler.
Jul 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from outside and began handling clean utensils on cook line to cook chicken. Manager had employee wash hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs stored over cooked pork in reach-in cooler across from cook line. Employee moved cooked pork from underneath eggs.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line. Shelves of reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked pork in reach-in cooler across from cook line. Manager stated item was prepared on 7/15, employee placed proper date mark on item.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand washing sink in front of kitchen, 81F.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in front of walk-in cooler.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on shelf above reach-in cooler across from cook line. Employee removed phone during inspection.
Equipment in poor repair. Handle of reach-in freezer across from cook line fryer.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap above and below back door.
Food stored on floor. Bag of rice on cook line floor. Bags of msg and salt on kitchen floor in front of back door.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above cook line. Hand washing sink next to three compartment sink.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers on kitchen shelf. Manager turned containers over.
May 18, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Shelves on cart next to walk-in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Handle missing to reach-in freezer across from cook line fryer.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap underneath back door to kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line greasy. Gasket of reach-in cooler next to cook line fryers. Drain area beneath three compartment sink. Condensation pipe and electrical pipe in walk-in cooler.
May 17, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Ordered shut on the spot. 15 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Bottles of peppers and nuts in walk-in cooler.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Chicken stored in container with menu as food liner. Manager removed menus from container.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 25 rodent droppings on floor behind reach-in freezer across from cook line fryer. Observed 20 rodent droppings on floor underneath hand washing sink next to three compartment sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Steel wool stored in hand washing sink next to three compartment sink. Manager removed steel wool during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Chicken in reach-in cooler next to three compartment sink. Manager stated item was prepared the previous day at 2 pm. Manager placed proper date mark on item.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl in bags of flour and rice in kitchen.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Shelves on cart next to walk-in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Handle missing to reach-in freezer across from cook line fryer.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap underneath back door to kitchen.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor throughout the kitchen. Floor in walk-in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Soy sauce stored on floor behind front counter.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line greasy. Gasket of reach-in cooler next to cook line fryers. Drain area beneath three compartment sink. Condensation pipe and electrical pipe in walk-in cooler.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Chicken stored in box in walk-in cooler. Manager removed chicken from the box and placed chicken in container.
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go containers stored on floor in dry storage room next to back door.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Shelves in walk-in cooler.
Dec 27, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over chicken soy sauce in walk-in cooler. Manager placed chicken on bottom shelf next to soy sauce.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottles of soap stored next to cans of ketchup on shelf in back storage area. Manager moved soap to shelf with other chemicals.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line stove. Shelves in walk-in cooler.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand washing sink across from cook line fryers, 73F. Manager turned hot water valve on, 111F.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Cardboard lining shelves in walk-in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Handle missing from reach-in freezer across from cook line fryers.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door to kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Cases of cooking oil stored on kitchen floor. Bags of rice stored on floor in dry storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket of reach-in cooler next to cook line fryers.
Sep 22, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 25, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed a dead fly on the portioned wontons in container in reach in cooler, see stop sale.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over green peppers in walk in cooler also raw chicken over cut onions.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. One fly on wontons in 1 container in reach in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of cleaning soap by white vinegar on pallet next to cooks line, operator moved soap.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler heavily soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked by multiple cleaning and miscellaneous items next to Three compartment sink. Operator moved items.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Thermos drink on prep table by sauces.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Multiple bottles of condiments on shelf above cooks line also yogurt on shelf above food to serve to public in reach in cooler behind front counter.
Equipment in poor repair. Multiple cutting boards on prep table with deep grooves and cut marks. Shelves in walk in cooler with rust that has pitted the surface.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under storage shelves throughout kitchen. Inside of light shields soiled.
Food stored on floor. Jugs of oil on floor delivered a different day than today.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden piece by walk in freezer door absorbant to moisture.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler nearest front counter gasket are soiled. Fan guards in walk in cooler. Plastic pallets holding food items up off of ground by smoker/oven.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Opened bags of Togo boxes on floor by Handwash sink on cooks line.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.